TOWARDS OUR PLACES – Neduntheevu

Towards our places
TOWARDS OUR PLACES – Neduntheevu

Neduntheevu is one of the seven islands southwest of Jaffna. Neduntheevu is an island with a long Tamil history. Neduntheevu is the longest island of them all, and perhaps hence the name Neduntheevu, which means long island. Perhaps it is called Neduntheevu because it is far away from Jaffna.

When the Dutch was in Sri Lanka, they called Neduntheevu Delft. The island is still called Delft Island in English.

Neduntheevu is located at a distance of 45 km from Jaffna and 38 km from Rameshwaram in India.

Neduntheevu has a total land area of 45 sq km, 6 km north-south, 8 km east-west and 30 km in circumference.

Neduntheevu is a prehistoric island known by prehistoric names as Green Island, Thalai Island, Abhisek Island, Yoghurt Island, Milk Island. These names indicate that the island is well versed in material resources. In 1813, a young American sailed to Neduntheevu and noted that the island does not belong to one country, but the island belongs to the universe. Neduntheevu is a pretty island.

The island was rich in paddy fields, wheat fields, palm trees, herbs and seaweed. Although there is also a history of red blood in the sea of Tamil blood.

King Sekarasekaran praised the island as a medicinal jungle forest. The island was a separate kingdom before the Dutch´s time. It was an independent island. Then Vediyarasan came and made a fort located in Neduntheevu. It is notable that Neduntheevu was an independent island when it was alone. After Holland and the British came and again during the Eelam War where the Sri Lankan government took over the island more Tamils fled to Jaffna and other places in Sri Lanka, and to Europe and Canada.

Pavokap is a large tree found here, which was brought here by the Arabs traders in the 7th century. The tree looks like a cave. Tourist came here to see this three. Here is also found many symbols of the fort by Vediyarasan, and the being of the Dutch and the British.

The island was also famous for its horses, which are also known as royal donkeys. The horses were used by the kings at that time. These horses was brought to Neduntheevu by the Dutch. There was also a law which says these horses should not be taken anywhere else from here.

There is historical evidence that a great battle took place between King Mikaman and King Vediyarasan on the island.

Neduntheevu has had a sea connection to South India in ancient times. The port of Periyathurai was used for this purpose. It is said that during the Dutch period, India was banned from going to Periyathurai.

There are many sad stories in the eyes of the Tamil people about Neduntheevu. On 1985, May 15^th the Sri Lankan Army stopped the boat “Kumuthini” and 33 children on board stabbed to death. Justice for this horrible event does not yet exist.

Towns on the island: